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The school clocks have always ticked too loudly for Taehyungs taste, the pace of the ticking makes him feel rushed and irritation builds up with each second, he has learned by now to sit as far away from the clock as possible and when he can he wears his noise cancelling earplugs. Normally he would use his headphones, he loves his headphones, they are a deep blue with a smattering of stars and constellations painted on in white acrylic- but sadly he is not allowed to wear them in class.
Today is a good day though, Taehyung feels less like ripping his own hair out at the mere thought of leaving his bed so that’s a plus, but a wave of anxiety rushes through him as his science teacher announces that their seats will be switched and the person next to them will be their partner for the rest of the school year.
Now Taehyung is not fond of change in his routine, especially when that change involves communication with a new person that he hasn’t prepared for and, shoot the teacher is pulling up the seating chart he should probably focus.
Taehyungs hands pick at the skin around his fingers as he squints at the board, he sighs in relief when he realizes his new seat is only one table behind where he is now, still on the end closest to the wall and farthest from the clock. Luckily for him Mr. Park is one of the teachers he feels comfortable with and who actually takes his accommodations seriously. Biting his lip he glances to the name in the seat next to him, Jeon Jungkook, oh.
Physical Attraction is a strange concept to Taehyung, always has been. He usually would prefer to become close friends with a person before even considering any type of romantic attraction, and yes he recognizes the traits of what is considered “A physically attractive individual” but conventional beauty has never really been a point of interest to him. But Jeon Jungkook, the first time he saw the soccer player he had felt what he has discovered to be attraction right off the bat, Taehyung had honestly thought he was having heart palpitations and went to the nurse (when he’d told Jimin he had laughed at him for a solid two minutes straight). Jungkook just looked so kind and pretty and always had the softest looking sweaters- that smooth soft that feels nice anyways you brush against it, Taehyung just wanted to be cuddled by him.
With a heat settling on his cheeks he turns around and sits at his new desk, well aware of the physical presence in the chair next to him. Belatedly he hears a muffled greeting and unplugs one ear as he whips his head to the side, focusing on Jungkooks round nose he hums in question.
“Oh Uh I Just said Hi, I’m Jungkook,” The boy grins and Taehyung watches as his hand nervously taps out a beat on the wooden desk, “Looks like we’re partners for the rest of the year.”
Taehyung quickly glances at Jungkooks eyes before flitting his gaze back to the other boys nose instead, and holy shit Jungkook has galaxies in his eyes- Taehyung loves galaxies. “H-hey I’m Taehyung.” He manages to respond.
“Cool.” Jungkook quips and gives him one last smile before turning back to the front of their class where Mr.Park has finished greeting the students and is pulling up their lesson for today, Magnetosphers. Taehyung perks up and flips open his space themed notebook, he’s so glad that as a senior one of the classes he could take was astronomy. He eagerly begins to take notes even though he has read the wiki page on magnetospheres all the way through before- he doesn’t mind in the slightest though because the way Mr. Park explains charged particles and solar winds is exciting.
—————————
Having Jeon Jungkook as a science partner has proved detrimental to Taehyungs health, honestly, he has written up a list of physical symptoms he feels around the younger that actually manage to distract him from the lessons. Jimin has told him that he’s being funny and overthinking everything, that he just has a crush and what he’s feeling is normal, but Jimin is biased so Taehyung relates his problem to his favorite hyung.
Namjoon rubs his neck and mutters the words under his breath as he reads through Taehyungs list, the younger staring at him expectantly.
“Well Tae it seems like Jimin was correct, this just sounds like a typical crush to me.” Namjoon looks up with a small smile and hands the lined sheet of paper back to a pouting Taehyung.
“I thought I could trust you Hyung!” Taehyung groans as he slouched down in his seat and stuffs the stupid paper back into his bag
“I’m sorry Tae,” Namjoon taps his hand to let him know he’s not offended, “But I honestly don’t think there is anything wrong with you… health wise at least.”
“Hey!” Taehyung tries to look hurt but ends up giggling with the elder.
Namjoon smiles wide and smacks his hand on the table in excitement, “Oh Seokjin Knows Jungkook pretty well, they’re on the same team obviously, I could ask him to invite Jungkook to hangout with us!”
“Hyung No!” Taehyung practically screeches, “ Why on earth would we do that- more Jungkook means more symptoms and I haven’t even thought of a conversation topic we could talk about outside of class together.” The younger rambles
Namjoon gives him teasing look, “Alright I won’t do that but Tae-“
“Yes?” Taehyung asks after sighing in relief, he knows Namjoon would never truly put him in a uncomfortable situation- especially socially.
“You’re whipped.” Namjoon tells him.
Taehyung flushes and jumps up from the table to start walking to class even though there are still eight minutes of break left, “Bye hyung gotta get to class!” He calls out and the only response he gets is loud laughter.
Taehyung slows his pace down as his mind wanders. He’s never really had a crush before, at least not one like this, he’s anxious because he doesn’t know how he’s supposed to act now. Does he act normal? Is it appropriate to act different towards the person you like or is it one of those things you don’t want the other person to know? Taehyung imagines a reality where Jungkook knows Taehyung likes him and immediately shuts it down- no Jungkook knowing is not the right answer here- definitely won’t be good for his health.
Taehyung glances around at the hallway as he stops by the door to his astronomy class, he usually plans to be three minutes early but today he is six minutes early due to Namjoons teasing. His gaze catches on a figure across from him and his eyes widen in surprise, there stands Jeon Jungkook, alone and looking down at his phone, probably playing a game to pass the time. Taehyung has never noticed that the younger likes to be early for class as well. Jungkook suddenly lifts his head and looks up at Taehyung, sending him a small wave and pushing himself off the wall to walk closer.
Shit, Taehyung was probably staring for an awkward amount of time and now Jungkook believes he was initiating conversation. Taehyung stares at the concrete when he feels the boy stop beside him, trying his best to act natural without engaging too much with the younger.
A soft “Hi Taehyung.” Pulls him from his racing thoughts and he glances at Jungkook. He looks nice today, he looks nice every day but his outfit is especially pretty today, black jeans and an oversized Smiths tour shirt artfully tucked in along with many silver and dangly earrings, Taehyung had so stop himself from reaching out and playing with them.
“Hi.” Taehyung swallows and picks at his nails, chipping of little sections of blue.
Jungkook shifts his weight and clears his throat, “I uh like your nails.”
A compliment? For him from Jeon Jungkook? “O-oh thankyou, they had stars but i picked them off.”
“You like space a lot huh?” The younger asks.
Taehyung blushes and hopes that Jungkook means that in a positive way, but considering the compliment he decides it’s alright. “Yes, astronomy is my favorite class, I wish we didn’t have to wait until senior year to take it though.”
Jungkook hums, “I mostly took this class because its more chill than the other sciences but I’m really enjoying it.” Jungkook laughs a little, as if he’s amused with himself.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” And he really is, he’s excited that jungkook is interested in one of the things he loves most- it will be much easier to have a conversation with him this way.
“I can’t believe how many notes you take though,” the younger chuckles, “It’s really cool, I’m terrible at taking notes.
“It helps when you’re taking notes on something you really like.” Taehyung responds shyly.
The younger tilts his head, “I guess that makes sense,” Jungkook hums.
“Jeon!” A loud voice calls out and Taehyung flinches before glancing up, Jung Hoseok, soccer captain is walking their way, his usual wide smile filling his face.
“Hyung.” Jungkook replies, he almost looks shy as the elder wraps an arm around him.
Taehyung feels eyes on him and he glanced up to see Hoseok waving at him, “Who’s this?” He asks while ruffling Jungkooks hair.
The younger pouts and swats Hoseoks hands away, “This is Taehyung, he’s my science partner.”Taehyung swallows and feels awkward as the soccer player seemingly sizes him up.
“Nice to met you Taehyung- gotta keep this rascal in check for me alright?” He grins. Taehyung nods once.
“Bye Hyung it’s time for you to go to class.” Jungkook blurts while pushing the elder away.
Hoseok simply laughs and waves at them, calling out a quick “See you at practice!” to Jungkook before turning and walking away.
“Sorry,” Jungkook says after a minute, “He’s kinda a lot, doesn’t really have a filter.”
“He seemed very nice don’t apologize.” Taehyung hums. It’s true, Hoseok seemed very friendly and almost older brotherly to Jungkook.
“Yeah he is.” Jungkook smiles a bit. The silence is comfortable and Taehyung doesn’t find himself overthinking about social cues, something about Jungkook is just so easy and comforting.
The bell rings loudly breaking the silence and Jungkook reaches for the door handle quickly, probably to save himself from Taehyungs horrible conversation skills, but to his surprise the younger gestures to the now open door with a grin.
Taehyung can feel his face turning red despite him trying his hardest to will it away, (symptoms) he thinks to himself as he mumbles a small thanks before walking inside.
——————————-
Surprisingly, for the first time in history, Taehyung is not dreading his group project. They are to work in pairs with their desk partners and are going to be making a model of earths magnetosphere, ideas and excitement are flooding his brain. Also the fact that he gets to spend more time with Jungkook who is a capable partner is a plus…. just to get to know him better, hopefully Taehyung will earn a new friend.
A Friend. Taehyung tells his fluttering heart.
Also for the first time in history Kim Taehyung is setting foot in the soccer field of his own volition, not without his headphones of course, teenage boys are very loud especially those who play sports.
Taehyung actually has a reason for visiting the field, he’s not just out for a nice walk, no, Jeon Jungkook once again has made him do something he’s never done before. The younger had shyly asked if Taehyung would wait for his practice to be over so they could head to Taehyungs house to work on the project together, and considering that Jungkook didn’t question Tae’s demand that they only work on the project at his house how could he refuse- and no it wasn’t because of the pouty lips and doe eyes.
So here he stands anxiously at the edge of the field where a water cooler sits haphazardly, luckily he arrived right on time, no long awkward minutes of standing there looking out of place.
Taehyung sees the team jogging towards where the coach is standing about ten feet away from his position. He scans the cluster of sweaty boys for Jungkook, hoping to get out of there as soon as possible.
“Taehyung!” A hand claps down on his shoulder. His eyes squeeze shut and he counts slowly to five in his head, sighing audibly in relief when he feels the touch drop away. “Sorry man won’t do that again.” The cheery voice continues.
Turning to his left he sees a very red faced Hoseok, “S’okay.” He manages to slur.
“Hey you okay Tae Tae?” And thank the stars, don’t tell Jin but he’s extremely relived to hear his voice, the man’s ego is big enough as is.
Taehyung simply lets himself fall into the awaiting side hug and he hums as he nods.
“What on earth are you doing out here?” His Hyung questions and then glares at Hoseok, “What did you say to him Jung I swear-“
Taehyung groans, he doesn’t want arguing or attention but he speaks up anyway, “Hyung s’okay he was just sayin’ hi,”
Hoseok slowly lowers his hands and actual concern seems to don his features “Hey you okay?”
Taehyung just nods his head once against Jins shoulder.
Jin understands immediately, “Yeah he’s fine just a bit overwhelmed.”
Hoseok nods and backs away, “Sorry, I’ll just rejoin the team- uh hope you feel better man.” Then the soccer player is gone, a large whoosh of tension leaves Taehyungs body and is replaced by exhaustion.
He lets himself enjoy the rhythmic petting as Jin speaks lowly, “Hey you never answered my first question- what are you doing here?”
“Group project, Jungkookie asked me to meet up here.” He grunts
Jins eyebrows raise, “Jungkookie ey?”
Taehyung flushes at his mistake, damn his loose sleepy brain to mouth filter, “Shut up.”
“I didn’t say anything.” The elder quips.
Taehyung huffs and lifts his head just in time to see one sweaty Jeon Jungkook jogging their way.
“Symptoms,” Taehyung mutters to himself as his heart jumps in his chest.
“What?” He vaguely hears Jin ask.
“Hey Hyung sorry that took a bit longer, coach needed to talk-“ The youngers rambling cut off and he glanced down to where Jins arm lay around Taehyung. “Oh you know Jin Hyung?”
Jin speaks before Taehyung can even formulate a thought, “Yep known him since he was a lil baby middle schooler, can’t get rid of him.” He snorts while lightly pushing Taehyung away. “Well gotta go see Joonie, poor boy gets whiny when I don’t give him enough kisses!”
And wow how straightforward did that have to be if Taehyung caught the so called “subtle” message.
Both boys end up staring blankly at the spot their Hyung vacated in mere seconds.
“Well um, to you house?” Jungkook asked.
Taehyung nodded and quickly turned to start walking back towards the parking lot, the sound of Jungkook jogging after him filling his ears.
———————————
The drive to Taehyungs house was a short one, he could probably walk to school but his anxiety gets the best of him in that area. The car ride is quiet and Taehyung spends the whole ride wondering if he should say something and hoping Jungkook doesn’t feel awkward. His mom had asked the usual “how was school?” Questions and Jungkook had answered politely.
Now the boys sit on the floor of Taehyungs bedroom, science books and note books opened but Jungkook is staring with his mouth open at his room.
“Woah,” Jungkook pauses as his wide eyes roam over everything,”Your room is so cool.” The younger whispers.
Taehyung is glad Jungkook thinks so, he spent a lot of time to make it a perfect little safe space for him. The ceiling is painted like a map of the constellations and his walls are covered in NASA and Anime posters. A moon lamp sits by his bed slowly changing colors and fairy lights line the headboard of his bed. The bed sheets are navy and four different fluffy blankets are strewed across it. His desk is organized perfectly and his little squishy toys and fidget things sit in a neat line atop his dresser next to the diffuser.
“Thanks.” Taehyung hums. He doesn’t look down quick enough to miss the smile Jungkook sends his way.
Jungkook reaches up to his fidget toys and pauses to ask, “Can I?”
Taehyung nods blankly, “Y-yeah um, go ahead.” Interesting, most people ask him what they are for or why he has so many so he watches, intrigued, as the younger picks up his favorite tangle.
Jungkooks eyes do that thing where they widen in interest as he plays with the toy, “Ohh this is fun!” The younger grins.
Taehyung immediately feels a tension leave his body that he didn’t even know was there and he lets a smile cross his face. Jungkooks fingers slow to a stop and he looks at Taehyung strangely focused.
“What?” Taehyung shyly whisperers, he can feel his face getting red.
“Nothing,” Jungkook says quietly, “It’s just… this is the first time I’ve seen you really smile.”
Taehyungs brain, supportive as ever, goes blank and he tries to come up with an appropriate reply.
Jungkook exhales shyly, looking down and allowing dark fluffy bangs to obscure his eyes, “Ah sorry.” The younger mumbles before glancing towards their open science books.
A moment of silence passes but it feels comfortable, nice.
“Alright captain lets get it.” A lopsided smile is sent Taehyungs way and his heart squeezes violently in his chest.
Just as he thought Jungkook works hard and is easy to work with, Taehyung allows himself a moment or so to watch the younger cutting out cardboard shapes while sticking out his tongue and furrowing his brows in concentration. The only downside to his partner is that he’s never been this distracted while working on an assignment before, but he figures since there’s two of them he can afford a few minutes of said distraction.
They finish the model quicker than they thought and Taehyung is surprised when Jungkook agrees to stay and watch Star Trek with him for a few hours. Jungkook doesn’t even groan or seem bothered when he repeats most of the lines word for word under his breath ( And honestly to the outside eye the boy looks fond if anything).
—————————
Jungkook coming over to work on the project seemed to be the catalyst for their friendship. After the assignment was over some sort of barrier had been broken. Jungkook started coming over all the time, to talk, to watch shows (Star Trek), and even just to sit in scilence and play with Taehyungs stim toys together.
Taehyung was really happy, It was too much to think about at once. One simple memory of Jungkook complimenting his room and Taehyung was squealing and fighting the urge to flap his hands in excitement. Jungkook made him feel like a super nova, simultaneously bursting and folding in on himself at once.
Of course, being unusually perceptive, his friends had definitely taken notice. They teased lightly and one day at lunch made a suggestion that made Taehyung choke on his crackers.
“You should invite Jungkook to our movie night!” Jimin grins as his face lights up like it’s the best idea he’s ever heard.
“W-what?”
“Yeah!,” his best friend continues, “Seokjin knows him too and I think it would be fun to meet him, we gotta meet at some point if he’s going to be your boyfriend.”
Taehyung choked again, “He’s not my…”
“I know I’m just teasing,” Jimin smiled at the blush covering the youngers face, “But seriously, it would be really fun.”
Taehyung knows the decision is up to him but Jimin is looking at him so eagerly and he can never deny him and his stupid pout. It’s any easy decision honestly, but he plays it up to get Jimin back for his teasing.
“Okay,” Taehyung nods and watches as Jimin smiles wider, “M-might as well ask him to bring Hoseok as well.”
Jimins face immediately flushed but he nods seriously to hide it, “Of course, don’t want to make Jungkooks bestie feel left out.”
Taehyung let out a breath and closed his eyes expecting to have to reorganize his expectations for their usual movie night routine, but strangely everything feels normal and calm, he might even say he was feeling excited about the change- ugh that’s a sentence he’s never thought he’d say in his life.
Taehyung sends a text to Jungkook telling him that he and Hoseok are invited to movie night, then another text explaining what movie night is, and then another telling him the address. He buries his head in his hands, the same hands that typed too quickly with excitement before letting his rationality catch up.
His phone vibrated against the table notifying Taehyung of the cute confirmation followed by a little smile emoji.
“Jungkook said he and Hoseok will meet us after school.” Taehyung hummed, staring at the smile emoji while trying to bite his own smile back.
“I’ll tell Hyung to bring the truck so we can give everyone a ride.” Namjoon offered while already bringing his phone up to his ear.
——————————-
The group of boys stood together in the emptying parking lot and conversation was flowing well, most of them knew each other to some extent anyway. Taehyung just hoped no one was feeling awkward, he couldn’t tell how the others felt but so far he thought it was going pretty well, which may or may not be influenced by the fact that Jungkook was holding his hand so casually.
Namjoon sighed a muttered “Finally” under his breath as Yoongi’s black truck rolled to a stop in front of them.
“Sup kiddo,” Yoongi ruffled his hair as he stepped out and tossed the keys to Namjoon, who unsurprisingly fumbled and let them drop to the ground.
“Hyung.” Taehyung grinned and gave the elder a hug. There were very few people that Taehyung actually liked to initiate skinship with, and one of those people was Min Yoongi. The elder had such a calming presence and related the most to Taehyungs way of showing affection- they understood each other.
“Been too long since you brought my favorite over Namjoon.” Yoongi swatted his younger brother on the head. Then he seemed to notice the newcomers, “Ah sorry I’m Yoongi, Namjoon brother.” He introduced.
“Jungkook.” The youngest waved shyly.
“Hoseok!” Was the much more confident greeting from the other newest member of movie night.
Even though Yoongi had graduated last year he still hung out with their group on the weekends when he didn’t have college, and he seamlessly fit into conversation with the two soccer players as he drove them back to his house.
“Alright votes in!” Jimin shouted after they had all settled in Namjoon and Yoongi’s cozy living room with snacks and drinks.
Jimin did a quick drumroll on his thighs before tossing his hands in the air, “And call me by your name wins in a landslide!”
He whoops in a showman like tone.
A snort comes from Seokjins direction, “Wow I’m so surprised.”
“The plot is good!” Namjoon argues.
“That’s not how you pronounce Timothy Chalamet.” Yoongi quips as he tosses a bottle of nail polish to Taehyung.
Namjoon goes red as the group bursts into giggles, “To be fair you all voted for it too.” He reminds them.
“What’s that?” Jungkook gently nudges their shoulders together and points to the bottle of baby blue polish in his hands.
“Oh,” Taehyung holds it up for the younger to see, “Jiminie usually paints my nails during movie night because I’m terrible at it.”
“Let me do it!” The younger blurts, something flashing across his face before he speaks again but much softer, “ I mean I wanna try, I’ve got steady artists hands!” And sure enough he holds up his hands in front of Taehyungs face with a smile.
A muffled wheeze that sounds like Hoseok reaches Taehyungs ears.
“Oh yeah, Um thanks.” Taehyung replies stiffly while shoving the bottle into Jungkooks outstretched hands.
The younger hums and holds out his free hand to which Taehyung tilts his head in confusion, “Your hand.” Jungkook says wth a blush.
Taehyung gently sets his hand in the other boys, Jungkooks hands are nice and warm, Taehyungs are more long and thin whereas the youngers are wider but they seem to fit together perfectly.
Taehyung doesn’t miss the multiple glances thrown their way but decides to ignore it and try to focus on the movie. But it’s almost impossible when all he can feel is how gently Jungkook is maneuvering his hand and the faint rhythmic strokes of paint across his fingernails.
Taehyung loves the sensation of getting his nails painted which is why Jimin started doing it for him in the first place, it was a nice background sensation that helped him relax, and now Taehyung finds himself relaxing into Jungkook as he zones out on the younger boys’ eyelashes- so long and pretty.
Jungkook giggles lightly as he blows on Taehyungs drying nails, Taehyung had insisted that he could do it himself but the younger was even more persistent and had not let go on his grip of the others hands. The paint looks a little messy but Taehyung loves it all the same.
Taehyung smiled and let Jungkook lean into his side when his nails were dry, both of their focus was back on the movie and Taehyung was mouthing the words to Elio’s Fathers speech.
“It’s so cool how you memorize all this stuff.” Jungkook whispers between them, and Taehyung smiles wide against his will. All his life people have said that his differences, the way he functions, is weird or annoying or childish- but Jungkook has always said that he’s cool, and smart, and original.
He doesn’t notice that tears are spilling past his eyes until Jungkook worriedly reaches up to wipe them away- “What’s wrong- did I say something Tae-“
“No,” Taehyung cuts him off- he feels too full of emotion and unable to properly describe what’s going on in his head out loud so he just buried his head into the youngers chest and says “Thankyou.”
He feels Jungkooks chest move as the younger giggles softly. Taehyungs hand begins flapping and he tries to tuck it behind his back but the ever observant Yoongi must catch on and see the tears because he pauses the movie immediately.
“Do you need to go to my room Taehyung?” The elder asks. A sort of code between them, it makes Taehyungs heart melt even more because all his hyungs and friends care about him so much. Yoongi’s room is where he usually goes to calm down if he feels too overwhelmed in a negative way, but this- this is just so much positive he simply can’t hold back.
He shakes his head and manages to croak out the word “Happy.”
Jimin practically coos from across the room.
“What did you say to him Jungkook?” Jin grins teasingly.
Jungkook finally lifts what his hyungs will later describe as an adoring gaze from Taehyungs hunched over figure, “I- I don’t know?” He squeaks, face dusted pink.
Taehyung allows himself to ride through it, the burst of overwhelming happy passing quickly and settling back into a simple warm comfort, he feels safe around these people so the comedown is easy.
“What was that?” He hears Hoseok whisper to Jin and he immediately tenses up.
“Sorry-“ Taehyung whispers and goes to remove himself from his place tucked into Jungkooks side. He doesn’t make it far before the younger is pulling him back against his chest.
“No no no, don’t apologize!” Jimin tuts then turns to glare at the soccer captain.
Hoseok looks a bit sheepish as he replies, “I was just curious, I wasn’t trying to be rude I’m sorry Taehyung-“
Jin pats his shoulder in understanding and Taehyung nods at the look the elder sends his way.
“That was just how Taehyung expresses himself when he feels a lot of emotion, our TaeTae is autistic.” Jin explains to a guilty looking Hoseok.
And gosh, Taehyung loves how simply his Hyung states it, like being autistic is just a normal everyday part of life, which it is, but many people talk about it hesitantly like it’s some sort of taboo.
“Oh.” Hoseok says simply, but Taehyung can tell he doesn’t quite get it, which isn’t surprising due to how little people are educated about the topic, but he’s glad at how well the soccer player reacts.
They finish the movie in a comfortable scilence but Taehyung begins to feel increasingly worried, not because he thinks either of their new friends are surprised by the revelation, but because Jungkook has pulled back and given him a lot of space.
It’s not until everyone is getting ready to leave that the younger turns to talk to him, thankfully Yoongi ushers everyone out of the living room to give them some space. Taehyung is already picking at the freshly done nail polish and the realization makes him sad.
“Jungkook-“ Taehyung begins just as the younger says
“I’m sorry!”
Wait what, sorry?
Jungkook must sense his confusion and begins to explain himself, words tumbling out quickly and melding together,
“Hyung I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, I’ve been all up in your space for weeks and I didn’t ask if you cared if I held your hand or hugged you, I’m sorry I didn’t notice earlier and I just, I made you feel overwhelmed tonight, if you want I can leave you alone, I really didn’t mean to I just- I just like you so much-“
Taehyung cuts him off with a relieved hug.
“Jungkookie,” Taehyung laughs, “ I don’t mind you holding my hand or hugging me, if I did I would have told you, I know my limits.” Jungkook opens his mouth but Taehyung shakes his head and keeps spewing all his thoughts into the open, “You make me feel happy Jungkookie, so happy I feel like I’m gonna explode, like you are the magnetosphere to my strange little planet- I just… I’ve always felt so different and you make me feel normal.”
Taehyung takes a deep breath and looks down at their sock covered feet, space socks and gray sport socks staring back at him.
Jungkook steps back from the hug but keeps their hands intertwined, he’s smiling through his response, “But you are different Tae, that’s why I like you- you are the most amazing person I’ve ever known,” the younger swallows and leans closer almost desperately , “I don’t know much hyungie but I’ll learn, I’m gonna learn as much as I can and -and you can teach me.” He seems like he wants to say something else but he stops himself and looks down at the ground shyly.
Taehyung is crying again, “ Koo.” He groans and hides in the youngers shoulder once more.
They don’t speak but everything feels still and light, like their worlds have crashed together and the aftermath is going to create something beautiful and new, Taehyung can’t wait to discover what it is.
————————————
It’s been a few days since the whole movie night crux, Hoseok has apologized so profusely that Taehyung and Jimin had to basically threaten him to stop. The whole group have been hanging out at lunch and even outside of school with Yoongi when the elder is home.
Summer is approaching quickly and the boys are getting ready to graduate in a few short months. The seven of them have been planning a bunch of activities that all of them can enjoy together to do over the summer. Taehyung is especially excited about the observatory trip they have planned.
And then there’s Jungkook.
Taehyung was worried that things would be awkward and take some time to settle back to normal after basically professing his deepest thoughts to the younger but Jungkook had been exactly the same, actually he’s been even better.
The younger had stuck true to his word and asked Jin Hyung for reliable sources so he could learn more about autism as a whole. He texted Taehyung a lot about how Taehyung experienced autism, as it was easier to write it out than talk aloud. Best of all nothing, besides more communication, had changed.
He was just Taehyung and the younger was just Jungkook. They still spent a lot of time in his room together, it was so innocent and they were taking things so slow. They hadn’t full out discussed the topic but Taehyung was pretty sure they were “together” in some sense of the word.
He was currently sitting in his bed, Jungkook at the other end while they did homework. Or rather Taehyung did homework while the younger tried to distract him into taking a break, tugging at the blanket on Taehyungs lap and luring him in with talk of Star Trek.
“Tae.” Jungkook said quieter, the elder finally looked up when Jungkook stopped his teasing. “I’m pretty sure it’s obvious that we both like each other but I just want to tell you straight forward- or well ask you kinda,” the poor boy was turning pink already, “I hope you know I considered us pretty much together since last weekend but I just wanna ask if you’ll be my boyfriend.”
Taehyung smiles and looks up shyly to glance into the younger boys galaxy eyes before grinning, “ Of course Koo.” Taehyung breathes softly.
They both grin.
“Awesome.” Jungkook whispers causing them both to break out into laughter.
Taehyung is about to turn back to his study notes as Jungkook starts to play with his own toes when the younger suddenly catches his hand, “Would.” Jungkook swallows and rubs his thumb over the elders knuckles nervously.
“Would it be okay to kiss you or is that too much?”
Taehyung pauses, his cheeks slowly fill with pink, his pretty and considerate boyfriend. Taehyung thinks for a second and Jungkook gives him time, not pressuring at all as he simply holds his hand. Yeah, Taehyung thinks, yeah I really wanna kiss him.
Taehyung nods, “Please?” He says a bit more breathlessly than intended.
Jungkooks warm hands come up to cup either side of his jaw, fingers brushing the hair near his ears as his face is tilted up until their noses are touching. Taehyung is trembling a bit but it’s more excitement than nerves, he tells Jungkook so and the other laughs softly. God Taehyung can feel his breath on his chin and the thought makes him shiver, he lets his eyes close as Jungkook leans in.
His lips are pecked softly once, twice, and then they stay pressed together against Jungkooks. The pressure is soft and firm at the same time, Jungkook is guiding their movements slowly and Taehyung feels his brain turn to mush, the sort of tingly feeling of when he happy stims fills his limbs and he smiles a bit as he sags forward into Jungkooks hold.
One of Jungkooks hands stays cradling his face and the other grabs Taehyungs hand again. It far from perfect, Taehyung hardly know what he’s doing but it feels good. Kissing Jungkook feels good. It’s like sensory heaven.
A universe is being created in the space around them with how staticky the air feels, a galaxy is swirling in his stomach every time Jungkook does this thing with his lower lip, almost sucking it between his own.
They finally part after what feels like ages but was probably five minutes at most.
Taehyung smiles and flaps the hand Jungkook is not holding. Jungkook giggles like he’s letting out all the built up energy like he feels it too, he must, the air is palpable.
“I’m glad you liked it.” Jungkook shoots him a scrunchy bunny smile.
“Mmmm,” Taehyung hums, trying to convey all his emotions, explain all his thoughts, in that one sound.
Luckily Jungkook understands, he always does.
They pull each other into a hug, no longer orbiting cautiously but just melding and relaxing into one
“Love you Tae.” Is murmured into the elders hair.
“You’re like my own star.” Taehyung whispers back.
And Jungkook knows.